MATT DRISCOLL: PAYING FOR HOPS TOO MUCH TO STOMACH >>>

In October of last year, the Weekly Volcano’s Brad Allen reported some scary news here on the Spew for microbrew connoisseurs. After talking to a local beer distributor, Allen learned the price of hops had gone from $3 a pound to $21 a pound, and that these skyrocketing costs would likely have a drastic impact on the world of microbrewing â€" especially here in the Northwest where high end specialty beers with loads of hops are king.

The Seattle Weekly posted a story today that seems to vindicate some of Allen’s worst fears. Apparently a number of small and well known microbreweries are feeling the economic uppercut of the increased price of hops coupled with our burgeoning recession.

It’s enough to make you ponder the future of microbrewing, and also ponder whether Brad Allen will be forced to find another alcoholic beverage to get loaded on every night.

These are sad times, for sure.